[CMOTD]

Policar are soon to release some versions of the 1982 Ferrari 126C2. Available to pre-order is the Gilles Villeneuve #27 Zolder GP Qualifying 1982. LINK

What idiot thought it would be a good idea to make a slot version of the exact car that Gilles died in? The mind boggles!

[Nonfractal]

Is this OK or is it Thoughtless , Tasteless, maybe Creepy?
What does everyone else think?
Alan

[rallyhub]

Is this OK or is it Thoughtless , Tasteless, maybe Creepy?
What does everyone else think?
Alan

I see it as a tribute to Gilles Villeneuve and an important historical slot version of this Ferrari Formula 1 car.
I am sure that a racing fan like Maurizio has endless respect for all drivers and we should be happy that he is so accurately transferring race history to the slot racetrack.
In my opinion there are absolutely no wrong intentions here.

Hub

[Kevan]

There's plenty of cars out there regardless whether the driver died racing in it or not, not just F1 either.  It would be sad not to have a similar car in tribute to these drivers, I'd rather remember them for how they raced not how they died.

[Gordon Steadman]

Whilst I can understand that some may see it as a tribute, it feels a bit creepy to me. 

There are so many better ways of paying tribute to one of my favourite drivers. Who couldn't love a man who thinks sideways is fun if not always the quickest way around the corner.

[DPJ]

If they were paying tribute, it should be a Special Limited Edition, hand painted replica'esque. Dunno what they're thinking. Regardless, I'd buy one because I love the car.

[GT40Racer]

Car has been delayed until 2023 - wonder what that means.

Bringing out Pironi car from Long Beach instead

[woodcote]

Ever since the 126C2 was announced several years ago, the revered Zolder car was intended as the first release. It is being produced in a special commemorative box, which is what has been delayed, according to Maurizio - hence going with the Pironi Long Beach entry first (in News here).

I don't know if our reticence about this release is a British cultural oddity? I reckon our attitudes and behaviour towards death and commemoration is somewhat out of step with the rest of the world - very reserved and rather sanitised. I agree with Hub. I have no doubt that Maurizo's plans for producing this car will have been completely in tune with the Italian and worldwide Ferrari fanbase that continues to idolise Villeneuve. It's not as if there haven't been several 126C2 models made as diecasts in various scales - including versions of Villeneuve's Zolder car in special packaging. 

That weekend at Zolder - following on from Imola - is at the heart of the Villeneuve mythology. He is remembered for the tragedy of his death - and what might have been - as much as for his modest achievements. In my mind, to produce the 126C2 and then avoid the Zolder car would be very strange indeed!

[Kirbs50]

If we object to Gilles’ Ferrari as poor taste, I wonder how we should feel about Senna’s Scalextric Williams, Ronnie’s Lotus 78 by Fly, Seppi’s Scalextric BRM, Francois’ Scalextric Tyrrell 006 or Niki’s Ferrari 312T2. Should eradicate these models from our collections?
The Ferrari 126C2 is a beautiful car and I believe it would have won Gilles World Championship. Owning and racing models of cars keeps memories alive. 
For the record, I am a Villenueve fan since I saw him race and I have the model on order. When it arrives, I’ll tell my grandkiddies all about him.

[Anthony B]

Not creepy at all in my mind - and knowing Maurizio, I believe it is the ultimate accolade and memory Policar can give to a great driver.

Definitely on my list.

I already have the George Turner version and will add this one for sure ;) and I have the old twin wing kit to build .....